We have consulted our team of new parent ambassadors to round up their recommendations as well as pointing you in the direction of some of our most helpful blogs for parents.
We have covered everything from baby-friendly activities in York, eating places in and around the city, ideas for precious baby keepsakes and places to meet other parents and socialise safely.
1. Eating out in York! 🍕🍜There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants for eating out in York which welcome children and families.
We know that different families are looking for different things, so we’ve set 5 criteria of ‘family friendliness’ including nappy change facilities, pram space, high chair availability, kids menus and kids activities. Look out for the ‘Mumbler approved’ sticker in the window to know they’ve qualified for at least 3 of the 5 child friendly criteria. You can find our full listing of place to eat out in York with kids here.
Best places to go for lunch with friends our new parent ambassadors recommend to visit in and around York:
“The Waterfront Cafe, Naburn is lovely for lunch with friends. A fantastic spot by the river which would be beautiful on a sunny day. Unfortunately, it rained when I went but there was a marquee so we could still enjoy the scenery. Food was amazing too, I’d recommend the burger!”
Best brunch spots, our new parent ambassadors recommend to visit in and around York:
“Phill Ya Boots cafe in Woodthorpe has the best breakfasts, lunches, pancakes – you name it! Small, warm, local and so, so friendly!”
We have also rounded up some of the best brunch spots in our Brunch & Breakfast Blog here
Best places for Cake! Our new parent ambassadors recommend visiting in and around York:
“My, oh my! The very best place for Cake has to be ‘Butt First’ in Bishopthorpe! The caramel shortbread is my favourite!”
“Willow Farm do the best coffee and lots of cake choices too.”
For afternoon tea inspiration visit this blog: York Mumbler Afternoon Tea in York
And for more information about Family Friendly Cafes, check out our Cafe’s section here.
Babies love to explore, to feel and to taste from a very young age. Getting crafty with your baby enables them to explore these senses, have fun and get a little bit messy! If you are a bit unsure about messy play then why not grab a group of new mum friends and host a garden messy play party. You can all keep an eye on the kids, enjoy some tea and cake and watch the babies really enjoy themselves, exploring together. Check out our Pinterest Board for some messy play ideas.
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
Check out this York Mumbler Pinterest board for more ideas to entertain your baby at home.
It’s important to look after yourself pre and post-natal, both physically and mentally to help your body recover. Joining some group classes can not only help you recoup but are also a great opportunity to meet some other new parents! Many classes are mid-week and enable you to bring your baby along, making it convenient for you to fit around the rest of your busy, new parent schedule!
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
“I have loved working out with Verity Garrington! She is an amazing personal trainer who specialises in pregnancy and post natal training. After I had a C section I had no core muscles and 5 months later I feel so much stronger!”
Why not take some time out to stop and relax. Take a break and lie with your baby in a calm green space to take in the sight and the sounds of nature. If you have family or friends near by that are willing to babysit make sure you take some time for yourself to recharge those batteries.
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
“The Bothy on Mount Vale Drive, Tadcaster Road. The most relaxing space for any self care treatments. As soon as I walk in there I immediately feel more calm! (Although not had much time for it since having a baby!)”
Why not use your maternity and paternity leave to explore where you live. York is full of history and wonderful experiences but how many of them have you visited? Be a tourist in your home town, as well as exploring the York Mumbler website for inspiration you can also drop into the local tourist information centre or library to find out what’s going on.
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
If you are visiting the city centre check out our guide to baby changing facilities in York.
As well as meeting up with old friends use this time to also make some new friends. There are plenty of baby groups in the city to explore and lots of new parents looking to make connections! As well as consuming your body weight in tea and cake why not see what else there is the explore in the city together.
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
Why not do some special activities with your newborn to help create some fond memories of this special time together. There are so many things to choose from in York!
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
“We did Sing and Sign (Babies) online over Zoom. Anna who led the session was fantastic. It hardly felt like we were online. The class follows the same structure every week and she gives you lots of songs, signs and background information to take away.”
“We started Puddle ducks swimming lessons at 3 months. We received lots of information via email before the session and the booking process was so simple through the website. We have really enjoyed the lessons at the Kilima Hotel so far. The pool is warm and the instructors are great. My little one is already becoming more confident in the water after only a few weeks.”
Discover lots of other classes for newborns and babies in York here.
Whilst the weather is nice why not use this opportunity to get out and about in the fresh air. If you have older children why not grab a picnic and visit one of York’s fantastic play parks.
What our new parent ambassadors recommend to visit in and around York:
For more inspiration on walks check out our Walks in York with cafes nearby and Family Friendly Walks blogs. Or why not try to complete one of York’s free Trails & Treasure Hunts.
If you are planning to enjoy a picnic at one of York’s many play parks visit Parks & Play Areas in York and Packed Lunch and Picnic Inspiration.
“Moorlands Nature Reserve has a cute circular walk that only takes around 20mins but you could stay longer and have an explore through some of the many paths through the rhododendrons. It is possible with a pushchair but I’d recommend a carrier or sling as it can get muddy in some spots.”
“Homestead Park is a great place to meet with other mummy friends. A big field with plenty of room for a picnic blankets, accessible toilets and a coffee van which also sells ice creams and muffins. And don’t forget the play park if you have some older siblings. We only have the little one so haven’t used it but I’ve heard great reviews.”
“Yearsley Woods is fantastic. There are different routes to walk, some of which are accessible by pushchair. The main path goes down to the small pond, which then leads to the bigger lake so lots of wildlife to spot! We stopped for a take-away coffee on the way in Easingwold too!”
“Hagg Wood in Dunnington is another lovely woodland walk. Again, lots of different paths to explore. Access is around a field so a carrier or sling may be more sensible.”
“Rowntrees Park is a classic. Easily accessible by foot along the river or via Bishopthorpe Rd. There is also a car park if you live further out. Plenty of space for a picnic, there is often an ice cream van near the car park entrance, and there is also a lovely coffee shop. It is lovely for a walk around, with paths accessible by pushchair. Again, we only have the baby but for older children there is the play park and the skate park too.”
“The Knavesmire has a path all the way around which is good for a circular walk. Plenty of space for a picnic and for the kids to run around. A great coffee van that also sells ice creams and other tasty treats to fuel the sleepless nights. You can also access Knavesmire Wood at the far end for a change of scenery.”
Enjoy the perks of being able to hit the shops mid week whilst it’s a lot quieter than the weekend. It’s much easier to navigate the stores with your buggy and will make the experience a much more relaxing one.
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
Check out the Mumbler offers page to grab some bargains from local shops.
Why not use this time to get some precious keepsakes made to help you remember this special time together?
What our new parent ambassadors recommend:
Check out our list of local makers for more inspiration: Gifts & Keepsakes
We asked our new parent ambassador for their top tips in the first few weeks after you’ve had a baby and here are their suggestions:
– Take lots of photos! 📸
– Limit visitors for the first few days until you get settled 👪
– Organise getting keepsakes such as newborn photos and footprints done 🧷
– Gentle walks around quiet local areas eg Moorlands and Wheldrake woods 🌳🌳
– Take time to relax and if you want, chat with other parents either in person/text/phone/online 🖐
We have also created a 50 things to do on maternity leave in York checklist! Why not print a copy off to help inspire your time off.
